What Is Nanotechnology In Cosmetics

Nanotechnology and Cosmetics
Cosmetics have been used since times immemorial for beautification, hygiene and also in religious rituals.The use of cosmetics dates back to the ancient Egypt where they were used not only for aesthetic purpose but were an integral part of the religious rituals also, as indicated by the cosmetic palettes found buried in tombs along with the dead as grave goods. Cosmetics found use in both the genders especially among people of social standing and priests. A number of innovations in medicine and chemistry led to the advancement of the cosmetic industry. The beginning of 20th century marked the dawn of the cosmetic industry as newer innovations, advertising and faster communication led to introduction of cosmetics

Nanotechnology involves manipulation of shape and size of materials / systems at the nano scale, the products having superior and unique properties compared to their larger form. Nanotechnology has been in use in the cosmetic industry since the last few decades with the introduction of niosomes by L'Oreal and liposomes by Christian Dior (Capture) in 1986 . Since then about 1300 products using nanotechnology have been introduced in the market targeting consumers with varied needs and expectations from cosmetic products. The global market for these products is expected to be worth 1 .36 trillion $ by 2015. Although there are a number of definitions for nanotechnology, the National Nanotechnology Initiative Program defines nanotechnology as " the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications." A nanomaterial is a material with one or more external dimensions, or an internal structure, on the nanoscale, which due quantum effects and a mammoth increase in relative surface area lead to different physical, chemical, biological and electrical characteristics compared to their larger

They include liposomes and niosomes, nanovesicles, nanoemulsions, nanocrystals, micelles , solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanocapsules and nanostructured lipid carriers. ii) Non biodegradable nanomaterials which include insoluble particles or biopersistent particles like titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide, gold in nanoscale, fullerenes, quantum dots.
The primary reason behind use of nanoparticles in cosmetics is i) enhanced permeation of ingredients like lipids, vitamins and anti oxidants ii)enhanced stability of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants as they are protected when encapsulated within the nanoparticles, iii) increase the protection efficacy of UV filters, iv) better aesthetics especially in case of sunscreens in which the white cast on the skin is noticeably reduced v) use of lesser quantities ingredients in preparations with better effects like improving transparency and fluidity apart from and vi) ease of formulation and use.
TYPES OF BIODEGRADABLE NANOMATERIALS USED IN COSMETICS
1. VESICULAR